How to Play Soccer – Soccer Rules
Soccer rules are deceptively simple. The Laws of the Game, still heavily based on their forerunners from the 1860s, govern this sport worldwide, and although the intricacies can be complex you can learn the basics in literally minutes of watching the Beautiful Game.
It’s important to note that soccer does not even have rules, but rather Laws. This officious term indicates that there is something very bookish about the game, even though the actual Laws document is just a few pages long compared to some other sports. These rules are available via FIFA for any player to read for free.
The first four of soccer’s Laws of the Game relate to the mechanics. They describe the dimensions of the field (which can vary depending on whose stadium you’re at), the ball (which can also vary between 27-28 inches in circumference), the players (eleven per team), and what the players can wear (soccer jerseys, soccer shorts, soccer socks, soccer boots/cleats, and mandatory shin pads.)
Laws five and six outline the powers and responsibilities of the referees and his assistants (the latter of which are not mandatory in all leagues, but are found in pro soccer the world over.) After that, how the game is started and halted (when the referee detects an infraction, or when the ball goes out of play, or when a goal is scored) are looked at in laws seven through ten.
Then comes soccer’s offside rule, a Law so contentious it has its very own number: eleven. The offside rule in soccer can be hard to pick up, but the basics are this: if a player waits near an opponent’s goal with fewer than two opponents between him and the goalline, and the ball is played to him, he is committing an offside offence. Practically speaking, this in 99% of cases means that if a striker has only the goalkeeper to beat when the ball is kicked towards him, he will be flagged offside. (Of course, if he receives the ball onside and then runs one-on-one with the ‘keeper, he’s done nothing wrong – and will probably score!)
Laws twelve right through to the final one – seventeen – explain why the game might be stopped for a foul, and what happens when this takes place (a free-kick, either direct or indirect, depending on the severity of the offence; or even a penalty kick one-on-one with the goalkeeper), and also how throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks work.
The best part is that you can read these laws in an afternoon and pick up the basics that quickly. But the best way of all is to watch a soccer game with the laws in your hand and refer to them as needed. You’ll be a soccer expert in no time.
There are various forms of soccer, ranging from micro soccer (3 a side) to the standard game of 11 a side. FIFA are the worldwide governing body for soccer, and it is FIFA who control the laws of the game that dictate how to play soccer from a rules perspective, so visit the FIFA site to get a copy of the rules and start learning the rules
About the Author
Nigel Reed has been involved in soccer during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s as a player and has been coaching youth soccer in Australia since 2000. Learn more on
How to play soccer
and take advantage of the
Free Soccer Drills
at Nigels website © 2007 http://www.coaching-youth-soccer-for-success.com
Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly football boots/soccer cleats
|
|
Soccer Shoes. BRADS. 2pcs. Scrapbooking. Football Boots $0.98 |
|
|
Silver Tone Embossed Football Soccer Boots Keychain Key Chain Ring $0.99 |
|
|
ADIDAS PREDATOR ABSOLION TRX FG POWER FOOTBALL BOOTS SOCCER CLEATS $0.99 |
|
|
ADIDAS Copa Mundial Soccer Football Cleat Boot Shoe Size 10 BRAND NEW WITH BOX $0.99 |
|
|
★ Soccer Balls Players Award Trophey Boots Glitter Sandylion Stickers Small ★ $0.98 |
|
|
F50+ 1/6 Kick O Mania adidas shoes football soccer boots fits hot toys Bastian $1.55 |
|
|
KIDS SOCCER STICKERS,CRAFT,SCRAPBOOKING,BALL,GOAL,BOOTS $1.91 |
|
|
Go Diego Go! Dora The Explorer Boots Soccer Self-Adhesive Wall Border Pre-Pasted $1.97 |
|
|
LUCIANO EMILIO “GOLDEN BOOT GB5″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
JAVIER MORALES “GOLDEN BOOT GB13″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
JUAN PABLO ANGEL “GOLDEN BOOT GB6″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
JAIME MORENO “GOLDEN BOOT GB7″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
CONOR CASEY “GOLDEN BOOT GB10″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
OMAR CUMMINGS “GOLDEN BOOT GB18″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
CHRIS ROLFE “GOLDEN BOOT GB19″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
ALEJANDRO MORENO “GOLDEN BOOT GB9″ UD MLS SOCCER 2009 $1.99 |
|
|
FOOTBALL SOCCER BOOT DESIGN PARTY NAPKINS BNIP MATCHES OTHER ITEMS IN RANGE $2.35 |
|
|
DORA, DIEGO, & BOOTS BIRTHDAY SOCCER 18″ mylar balloon $2.89 |
|
|
JOLEE’S BOUTIQUE STICKERS FOOTBALL SUPPORTERTEAM BOOTS, BALL, KIT, SOCCER $2.90 |
|
|
Quality Stainless Football Boot Soccer Shoe Keychain Ring Christmas Gift Idea $3.69 |
|
|
3″ DORA & DIEGO BOOTS SOCCER WALL BORDER SET PEEL & STICK CHARACTER CUT OUT $3.99 |
|
|
WHiTE BOOT ROUND GRIPFAST TUK ENGLAND WORKiNG CLASS Oi! SOCCER LACES 140CM 56″ $3.99 |
|
|
Football Soccer Birthday Kids Party Boots And Ball Cake Decoration $4.69 |
|
|
Nike Soccer Boots Size 9 $4.89 |
|
|
Soccer Shoe Boot Lace Covers Shoelace Bands Sweet Spot NEW $4.99 |
|
|
Soccer Shoe Boot Lace Covers Shoelace Bands Sweet Spot NEW $4.99 |
|
|
Soccer Shoe Boot Lace Covers Shoelace Bands Sweet Spot NEW $4.99 |
|
|
Soccer Shoe Boot Lace Covers Shoelace Bands Sweet Spot NEW $4.99 |
|
|
Soccer Shoe Boot Lace Covers Shoelace Bands Sweet Spot NEW $4.99 |
|
|
Soccer Shoe Boot Lace Covers Shoelace Bands Sweet Spot NEW $4.99 |
|
|
Nike Boys Hoodie Navy with Nike Soccer Summer Boot Camp $5.49 |
|
|
RANGERS FC Soccer-Football Chocolates + Boot MONEY BANK $5.79 |
|
|
France Football/Soccer Boot/Cleat/Shoe Keychain Euro 2012 Miniature $5.99 |
|
|
Greece Football Soccer Boot/Cleat/Shoe Keychain Euro 2012 Miniature $5.99 |
|
|
girls size 3 red rain boots river fishing boot Kamik soccer youth muck rubber 3 $6.00 |
|
|
Soccer shoe lace covers Sweet Spot Adidas ball control boot bands Hot Spots $6.00 |
|
|
Soccer shoe lace covers Sweet Spot Adidas ball control boot bands Hot Spots $6.00 |
|
|
Soccer shoe lace covers Sweet Spot Adidas ball control boot bands Hot Spots $6.00 |
|
|
Soccer shoe lace covers Sweet Spot Adidas ball control boot bands Hot Spots $6.00 |
|
|
Soccer shoe lace covers Sweet Spot Adidas ball control boot bands Hot Spots $6.00 |
|
|
Kike Calvo KIKEO Children Sports Illustrations – Soccer Boot – Mugs Soccer Boot Mug is new. Why drink coffee out of an ordinary mug when an imprinted mug is so much cooler? Microwave safe, FDA approved. Image is printed on both sides of the mug. Dishwasher use is not recommended…. |
|
|
Kike Calvo KIKEO Children Sports Illustrations – Soccer Boot – Tile Napkin Holders Soccer Boot Tile Napkin Holder is measuring 6w x 6h x 4d. Made from high quality solid maple wood with satin finish and two 4.25 commercial grade mirror gloss ceramic tiles. Holds napkins, mail, letters or files. In addition, customized engraving, on the face of the item, is available on request…. |
|
|
Kike Calvo KIKEO Children Sports Illustrations – Soccer Boot – Trivets Soccer Boot Trivet is measuring 8w x 8h x .75d. Made of solid wood with padding on back that protects your furniture. Framed trivet comes with 6w x 6h ceramic gloss tile attached to the wood frame…. |
|
|
Kike Calvo KIKEO Children Sports Illustrations – Soccer Boot – Mouse Pads $11.99 Soccer Boot Mouse Pad is measuring 8w x 8h x .25d, soft commercial quality high resolution product. The image is permanent and becomes part of the mouse pad surface. Our transfer method produces professional matte finish with Premium Quality and Superior image resolution…. |
|
|
adidas Predator Pulse X-TRX SG (Black/White) #039502 Revolutionary PowerPulse(R) technology moves the center of gravity of the boot closer to the point of impact with the ball by relocating 40g of weight to the front of the shoe. With traditional boot construction, the power of the shot gets diminished. Optimized weight distribution, however, increases the transfer of power from boot to ball, which in turn increases ball speed. Simply put, … |
|
|
Kike Calvo KIKEO Children Sports Illustrations – Soccer Boot – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Soccer Boot Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9×9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
|
|
Radio Control NQD High Wind RC 30” Twin Motor Electric Speed Boat RTR NEW $46.99 Helping both form and function, The Highwind’s sleek hull and sharp corners serve a dual purpose. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but its aerodynamic body makes this boat blazingly fast. With the Highwind NQD, not only will you blow your competition out of the water, but you’ll look good doing it, too. Powered by an explosive 380 Type Racing Motor and equipped with professionally designe… |
|
|
Dora the Explorer 24-Piece Puzzle $19.99 Cute Dora playing soccer puzzle. 24 pieces. Ages 3+. Finished size 10″ x 13″…. |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Raf Vs Soviet Airforce from Mary Evans $29.99 Photo Puzzle, RAF VS SOVIET AIRFORCE. Anglo-Soviet soccer match, Murmansk, RAF and Soviet Airforce. The RAF provided air-cover for convoys in their Hawker Hurricanes (background) . Chosen by Mary Evans. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to box top. Puzzle pieces printed on RA4 paper at 300 dpi. This item … |
|
|
Football – Soccer Player Volley – 36W x 24H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $58.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
